Chapter 46

Benjamin’s voice broke through the tension. “What do you mean?” His tone was sharp, almost a demand, but I could hear the unease laced inside it.

The doctor shifted his weight uncomfortably, his eyes darting toward the closed door at the end of the corridor before looking back at us. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice low. “Please… let’s all talk in my office.”

I glanced at Jake’s father who looked just as confused as I felt. His brows were knitted, his mouth pressed into a thin line. Without another word, we followed the doctor down the hall.

When we entered the office, the doctor sat down heavily in his chair, as though whatever he was about to say carried a weight that had been crushing him for years.

I lowered myself into the chair in front of his desk, my knees almost touching the edge. Benjamin didn’t sit, he stood behind me. Jake’s dad sat on the other chair, his posture stiff, his jaw clenched.

The doctor folded his hands on the desk. “Five years a